Spain and Greece are risk areas – these rules apply on vacation

Bookings for Germany’s most popular holiday island, Majorca, have fallen sharply in the past two weeks, according to random sample inquiries from FOCUS Online at travel agencies in Munich, Cologne and Frankfurt.

“No sooner was Spain classified as a risk area than we received at least ten calls on the same day,” explains Michaela F., an employee in a Munich travel agency. “Because the situation in Greece is also bad, customers are now more interested in Italy or Croatia,” says the travel expert. “Sicily is particularly in demand.” And further: “In Croatia, prices are slowly rising. But that’s normal. The summer holidays are about to start in Bavaria. “

The “sudden decline” in bookings – primarily in the Balearic Islands – by foreign holidaymakers, was also confirmed by the Spanish tourism umbrella organization Exceltur state television broadcaster RTVE. The reason is that countries like France, Spain, the Netherlands and Great Britain advise against traveling to Spain. Exceltur puts the decline at around 20 percent – and the trend is rising.

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Tourists leave the party island of Mykonos

While bookings are falling in Spain, tourists on the party island of Mykonos are breaking off their vacation early. Corresponding media reports confirmed Greek entrepreneurs and event managers at the request of FOCUS Online. A few days ago, the Greek government imposed a strict ban on going out after 1 a.m. and a ban on dancing in restaurants and bars.

The measures should initially apply for one week. Affected entrepreneurs and restaurateurs believe that the rules could stay in place until at least the end of July. “The party now continues in the private sphere. Beach parties are no longer taking place. ”Vacationers would switch to the neighboring islands.

But here too, bans on going out could soon apply. The health authorities propose similar measures for the islands of Crete, Santorini, Naxos, Milos, Ios and Paros.

Greece has already decided to ban unvaccinated people in risk areas with a high incidence and hospitalization rate. Bars must clearly indicate at the entrance whether they only serve vaccinated and Genesis or unvaccinated people.

Both groups of guests must be separated from each other. As the Greek media report, a supermarket ban for unvaccinated people from mid-September is also under discussion. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the health authorities did not want to comment on such inquiries.

Curfews and the beach ban in Spain

The Robert Koch Institute and the Foreign Office set an upper limit of 200. If the incidence rises significantly above this and this value is maintained, travel areas are declared as high incidence areas. Spain has clearly exceeded the 300 mark. A travel warning is looming. That would mean that unvaccinated people would have to go back to quarantine.

The hospitalization seems to be included in the calculations. This value shows how the occupancy of hospital beds is doing. Like the Spanish newspaper “El Pais” reports, In Spain, only ten percent of all beds in intensive care units are currently occupied by corona patients.

The regional governments in Catalonia, Valencia and Cantabria have imposed night curfews. There the 7-day incidence has already cracked 500 and 600 values. The same applies to the coastal areas of Andalusia. Even 1000 marks are reached here. In many places, beach closings are under discussion because it is too late on the weekends Crowds come. The curfew in the Spanish regions starts at 1 a.m. and ends at 6 a.m. Depending on the case, fines of 600 to 30,000 euros can apply.

The regional government in the Balearic Islands refrains from curfews or restrictions. Alcohol may not be sold in supermarkets and petrol stations after 10 p.m., and there is a curfew in bars and restaurants from 2 a.m. The beaches are cordoned off after midnight.

Although the incidence in Mallorca is 270 per 100,000 inhabitants, the situation in the intensive care units seems relaxed. Unvaccinated young people would go through a much milder corona course. That is the reason for the low hospital value.

France introduces Covid Pass

The French incorporate the digital vaccination certificate into everyday life.

From July 21st, tourists must show the so-called “Pass Sanitaire” (digital health certificate) at cultural and leisure events. Affected people have to digitally prove whether they have been vaccinated or recovered. If there is no vaccination or recovery, a negative rapid antigen test is required. You also have to store this digitally in the app.

From the beginning of August, the “Pass Sanitaire” will also be required in cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, hospitals, retirement homes and long-distance trips by plane, train or bus.

Netherlands prohibits live music

Tourists in the Netherlands have to do without nightclubs up to and including August 13th. Restaurants have to close between midnight and 6 a.m. and are not allowed to sell take-away alcohol during this time.

A minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be guaranteed between tables and seats. Concerts, live music or other live entertainment are prohibited until mid-August.

The current 7-day incidence in the Netherlands is again 376.2 infected people per 100,000 inhabitants.

The situation is particularly critical in:

  • Friesland (225.1)
  • Gelderland (275.5)
  • Groningen (657.3)
  • North Brabant (301)
  • North Holland (557.8)
  • Overijssel (313)
  • South Holland (376.2)
  • Utrecht (512.8)

Do you want an even deeper understanding?

Well informed through the crisis with our Corona guide: Experts explain what you now need to know about Covid-19.